Ridetech Ridepro e3 User manual

Installation Guide

& Operation Manual

Quick Start .................................................................... 2

Wiring Diagrams ...........................................back cover

AirPod™ Installation

Mounting the unit ................................................................3

Wiring ........................................................................................3

Component Installation

Mounting compressor ........................................................4

Mounting tank .......................................................................4

Mounting air valves .............................................................4

Routing air lines & ttings .................................................5

Mounting pressure sensors ...............................................5

Mounting the controls & ECU ...........................................5

Wiring ........................................................................................5

LevelPRO Installation

Installing external ride height sensors ..........................6

Installing internal ride height sensors ...........................6

Sensor Rod Assembly ..........................................................7

Example installations ..........................................................7

Operation & Controls

Button description ...............................................................8

Setting presets .......................................................................8

Selecting presets ...................................................................8

Tank button .............................................................................8

Activating / navigating menu ..........................................9

Menu structure ......................................................................9

Menu functions ............................................................10-11

Contents

Thank you for choosing a RideTech air suspension control

system. We are committed to providing the best experience

possible throughout the process of getting your car on air.

Our commitment doesn’t end with your purchase, in fact,

it has only begun. This guide should provide you with the

information you need to properly install and set-up your

suspension control system.

However, if you nd yourself having diculty or if you have

a question that isn’t covered in this book, please call our tech

department.

Tech Line: 812-481-4969

In addition to phone support, our web site also provides a

wealth of helpful product / install / set-up information.

This guide covers installation of all RidePRO e3®, LevelPRO™ and AirPod™ systems. It is

important to know what system you are installing and what sections pertain to your

application. Check below to ensure you understand your system’s conguration.

Part #

ARC4000L LevelPro 4 way system / 3 gal. Tank

ARC4100L LevelPro 4 way w/dual comp. / 5 gal. Tank

ARC4700L LevelPro BIG RED 4 way / 5 gal. Tank

ARC4800L LevelPro BIG RED MAX / two 5 gal. Tanks

LEV8000 LevelPro electronics package

LEV8500 LevelPro upgrade for RidePro E3

Part #

APOD4100L 5 gal. Tank, 2 comp. LevelPro

APOD4000L 3 gal. Tank, single comp. LevelPro

APOD4100e3 5 gal. Tank, 2 comp. RidePro e3

APOD4000e3 3 gal. Tank, single comp. RidePro e3

Part #

ARC4000e3 RidePro e3 4 way system / 3 gal. Tank

ARC4100e3 RidePro e3 4 way /dual comp. / 5 gal. Tank

ARC4700e3 RidePro e3 BIG RED 4 way / 5 gal. Tank

ARC4800e3 RidePro e3 BIG RED / two 5 gal. Tanks

AirPod™ electronics & controls are identical

to LevelPRO™ and RidePRO e3® systems

LevelPRO™ systems use level sensors

& air pressure sensors

RidePROe3® systems use

pressure sensors only

Systems covered in this manual:

Skipping the Calibration:

Upon initial installation the E3 requests that you perform the Calibration Sequence.

The Calibration does not need to be run upon initial installation. If the vehicle is

still in the build stages you can postpone Calibration until the vehicle is complete.

You still have full manual control of each air spring and the pressure readings

from each air spring are displayed on the screen.

However, until the Calibration Sequence has been completed your preset

functionality will not perform properly.

Calibration:

During the Calibration sequence the e3 records information specic to the vehicle in which it is installed (inate and deate speed, if level sensors are

present, how long the compressors take to ll the storage tank, etc.) The e3 then uses this information to attain the proper preset heights in the fewest

possible steps, using the most intelligent method. For example, after calibration the e3 knows that the front of the vehicle is heavier and therefore

slower than the rear, so it will inate the front rst then allow the rear to catch up just as the vehicle is achieving ride height.

Calibration Steps: (items in red require user interface, other steps are automatically completed)

1. Releasing all air - this provides a solid starting point for the Calibration sequence

2. Locating tank pressure sensor - locates and checks the tank sensor

3. Locating air spring pressure sensors - locates and checks the air spring pressure sensors

4. User must raise to Max, then press and hold Preset #3 - sets the upper limit of suspension travel

5. Locates level sensors (if present) - level sensors will be automatically displayed if present

6. Determines suspension type - dierent suspension types will utilize dierent software to achieve preset heights

7. User must set Preset #2 - allows the user to set the Ride Height

8. Check vehicle speed to and from Preset #2 - the e3 will utilize this information to achieve Ride Height in the fewest possible steps using the most

intelligent method

9. Determines how much air pressure is required to slightly lift the vehicle - this information allows the e3 to more eciently manage air usage

10. Determines vehicle speed from lowered height to Preset #2 - the e3 will utilize this information to achieve Ride Height in the fewest possible

steps using the most intelligent method

11. Deates down to Preset #1 - tests the system for deating to Preset #1

12. Uses Calibration data to travel to Preset #2 - tests the system for inating to Preset #2

13. Calibration complete

air

pod

air

pod

air

pod

LevelPRO™ and RidePRO e3® Systems dier only in the addition of the ride height sensors.

Quick Start

Setup Required

Press 3 to start setup.

Tank: 0

MOUNT THE MAIN UNIT:

1- Mount the base at to the vehicle surface (do not bend the base)

2- Secure the base with self tapping screws or bolts.

3 - Secure the cover to the airpod base using the supplied screws.

CONNECT AIR LINES:

1 - Airline cuts must be straight and clean - use a razor blade or tubing

cutter. (part # - cut1000)

2 - All ttings are DOT approved, reusable, push-to-connect style. Firmly

push the airline into the tting to attach. To release the airline push the

collar on the tting back towards the tting and pull the airline out.

3 - All of our airlines are DOT approved so they are very strong. Secure the

airline with zip ties, keep them away from any sharp edges and when

passing through a hole in the frame use a grommet.

4 - Keep away from intense heat including muers and exhaust manifolds.

CONNECT POWER HARNESS:

1 - Connect the red power wire directly to the battery.

Use included fuse within 18” of battery.

2 - Connect the yellow ignition wire to switched 12v.

3 - Connect the black wire to chassis ground.

CONNECT LEVELPRO SENSORS

if equipped:

See LevelPRO section for more information

on installing and calibrating height sensors.

CONNECT DISPLAY / CONTROLS:

See control programming and additional

features section for more information on using

the control panel.

POWER  RED

SWITCHED YELLOW

GROUND  BLACK

Be sure to use included fuse

holder in the battery feed

wire as close to the battery

as possible.

CAUTION: Use 10 gauge wire or larger

to extend red power feed if needed

Installing an AirPod

Remove the negative battery cable before beginning installation.

STOP

AirPod Part #: APOD4000L APOD4000e3 APOD4100L APOD4100e3

Mounting the Compressor

• All of our compressors are sealed for moisture and dust resistance so they can

be mounted anywhere on the vehicle. Although it is best to mount it in a place

out of direct contact with rain and snow. It is OK to mount it underneath the

vehicle but keep it inside the frame rails away from water and debris thrown o

the tire.

• This is a dry compressor; therefore it is maintenance free and can be mounted in

any position.

• It is best if mounted to something solid to reduce vibration and noise. If

mounting it to sheet metal or the bed of a truck use sound deadening material

between the compressor and

the mounting surface.

• Use the rubber grommets

supplied on the feet of

the compressor to reduce

vibration.

• Attach the grey wire from

the main power harness to

the black wire on the primary

compressor. The red wire

connects to +12V

• If using two compressors, an

additional harness will attach

to the main power harness

(part #WIR8162). Attach the

blue wire from this harness to

the black wire on the second compressor and the second compressor red wire

to +12V.

• If you are running two compressors you will need an additional harness.

• Thomas Compressors (black) will require a 20 amp fuse (each).

• Viair Compressor (silver) will require a 30 amp fuse (each).

NOTE:

The e3 system switched ground on the compressors,

the compressors are provided power at all times.

Mounting the Air Tank

• The air tank can be mounted anywhere on the vehicle in any position.

(sensor cannot be on bottom)

• There is an 1/8” port in the tank that will accept the tank pressure sensor.

Mounting the RidePro Air Valves

• The valves, like the compressor, are sealed and can be mounted in the same

locations. Although if the vehicle will be exposed to freezing temperatures it is

a good idea to mount them

in the engine bay if possible

to reduce the possibility of

freezing.

• They can be mounted in

any position.

• Attach the ground strap

to a good, clean ground

(preferably the frame).

• The exhaust port will be left

open.

• The valve is held closed

with the pressure in the

tank. If tank pressure drops

below air spring pressure they will equalize, deating all 4 air springs.

Use spacer for

better cooling

Filter / muer

install on inlet

Always use

rubber mounts

Remove the negative battery cable before beginning installation.

STOP

RidePRO e3 Part #: ARC4000e3 • ARC4100e3 • ARC4700e3 • ARC4800e3 LevelPRO Part #: ARC4000L • ARC4100L • ARC4700L • ARC4800L

Tank pressure

sensor

Ensure a

good ground

is used

Installing a RidePRO e3 System

Routing the Airline and Fittings

• Make all airline cuts with a razor or

tubing cutter

(part # - cut1000)

It must be clean and straight or it

will not seal.

• All ttings are DOT approved push-

to-connect style. They are very

simple to use and are reusable.

Firmly push the airline into the

tting to attach. To release the

airline push the collar on the tting

back towards the tting and pull the airline out.

• Use thread sealant on all ttings.

• Do not over tighten the ttings. This could result in breaking the tting or

damaging the air spring.

• All of our airlines are DOT approved so they are very strong. But keep them away

from any sharp edges. Also when passing through a hole in the frame use a

grommet.

• Keep away from intense heat including muers and exhaust manifolds.

• Use zip ties or other fasteners to secure the airline.

use thread

sealant to

avoid leaks

Use Tubing Cutter

(part # CUT1000)

for straight ends.

Height Sensor Harnesses Pressure Harness

Black wire

A clean chassis ground

Yellow wire

Ignition

(12 volts only when the key is on)

Red wire

Constant 12 volt

Main Power Harness

Valve Connector Power/Relay

Connector

Air Pressure

Harness Connector

Right Front

Level Sensor

Connector

Left Front

Level Sensor

Connector

Right Rear

Level Sensor

Connector

Display

Connector

Left Rear

Level Sensor

Connector

Display / Controller Harness Valve Block Harness Main Power /Compressor Harness

Mounting the Air Pressure & Level Sensors

• These sensors are voltage based and do not need to be grounded.

• Use thread sealant when installing pressure sensors in valve block.

Mounting the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) & Control Panel

• The ECU is water proof and may be mounted in the engine bay or under the vehicle.

• The control panel should be accessible from the drivers seat and may be mounted or left unmounted.

• The control panel cable uses mini USB connectors. Extensions can usually be found locally or

purchased from RideTech.

0.460

2.477

3.816

6.461

1.723

5.050

0.460

2.477

3.816

6.461

1.723

5.050

Travel Limits

Attach to

Chassis

90º of

eective

range

Attach to suspension

Good

Good TOO FAR

✔✖

✔

Ride Height Sensors

If the electrical range of travel is

exceeded the system may function

erratically or not at all.

Also note that if the sensor has very

little travel the LevelPro system

may not perform to its potential.

It may be necessary to shorten the

sensor arm to increase travel.

External LevelPRO Sensor Installation

Internal LevelPRO Sensor Installation

• The LevelPro system uses 4 height sensors (one at each wheel). They are weather proof and may be mounted in any position as well as “clocked” in any position.

(There is not a dierence between the left and right sensors.) These sensors are typically mounted to the chassis / frame rail.

• A linkage with rubber ends connects the sensor arm and a suspension component. On most front

suspensions the linkage will attach to the upper or lower control arm. On most rear suspensions it will

attach to the axle or control arm.

• The main goal when mounting the sensor is to achieve as much sensor rotation as possible

without exceeding the sensors limits.

• Although the sensor arm will rotate 180 degrees, it must remain in the middle 90 degrees throughout

suspension travel. See diagram below for sensor travel limits.

• It may be necessary to shorten the sensor arm and drill a new hole to ensure the arm is rotating

enough during suspension travel to accurately determine vehicle height.

• The sensor arm can also be removed from the sensor and clocked in four dierent positions. It may

also be necessary to bend the sensor arm and/or linkage to achieve proper clearance and alignment.

• The sensor will be mounted to the frame using ¼” self tapping screws or bolts. A special shouldered

bolt is supplied to attach the rubber rod ends to the suspension and the sensor arm, this will avoid

over tightening.

• Make sure the sensor has adequate clearance from all suspension components throughout

suspension travel. Check tire clearance, lock to lock and throughout suspension travel.

Use of internal ride height sensors requires no special

installation. Simply plug the ride height sensor harness

into the ShockWave.

The Internal ride height sensor is a state of the art

infrared leveling sensor and works by bouncing

an infrared light beam o the shock inside the

Shockwave® unit. This signal tells the distance

between to the two, and knows exact ride height

every time!

The Internal ride height sensor is built to surpass

O.E.M. specications.

1- Once the linkage rod has been cut

to the proper length assemble the

linkage rod with heat shrink tubing

and the rubber end.

2- Slide the heat shrink tubing over the

rubber end as far as it will go.

3- Heat the shrink tubing with a heat gun (hair

dryer or small torch will work).

Begin by heating the rubber end rst. The

heat shrink is lined with adhesive and will

stick to the rubber when heat is applied.

4- Continue shrinking the tube to the rod until

secured. Be sure not to overheat the tubing

causing it to pull from the rubber end.

Once both sides of the linkage have been

nished secure the linkage to the sensor

and suspension.

69 Camaro Front 58-64 Impala Front

Triangulated 4-Link Rear

Rear Trailing Arm

65-70 Mustang Rear C-10 Truck Rear

Ride Height Sensors

Assembly of the LevelPRO Sensor Link Rods

Sensor Mounting Examples

PSI

Left Front

Inflate

Left Front

Deflate

Left Rear

Inflate

Left Rear

Deflate

Right Front

Inflate

Right Front

Deflate

Right Rear

Inflate

Right Rear

Deflate

Preset #1 Preset #2 Preset #3

Left Front

Air Pressure

Tank

Pressure

Left Front

Level Sensor

Position

Right Front

Air Pressure

Button

Right Front

Level Sensor

Position

Left Rear

Air Pressure Left Rear

Level Sensor

Position

Right Rear

Air Pressure

Right Rear

Level Sensor

Position

Error Warning

Indicator

PSI

Basic Operation & Controls

PRESET BUTTONS

There are three preset buttons located on the lower portion of the display. These can be learned to any height, but normally they are set as:

=Deated Setting =Ride Height =Inated Setting

SETTING PRESETS

Use inate and deate buttons to obtain desired vehicle height. To store the

height as a preset press and hold the preset button for 5 seconds or more.

The screen will display “Preset is saved” when completed

SELECTING PRESETS

To select a preset press and hold the preset button for a half-second and no

longer than 5 seconds. (The delay is required to minimize accidental activation

of presets.) The screen will display “Preset selected” when activated.

INFLATE & DEFLATE BUTTONS

You have full manual control at any time. To inate an air spring simply press

and hold the corresponding “+” button. To deate an air spring simply press

and hold the corresponding “-” button. The corresponding air spring will be

inated OR deated until the button is released.

Press preset for 0.5 second

to activate preset

Press and hold for over 4.5

seconds to store current ride

height as a preset

PSI

Preset 2 selected

PSI

Preset 2 saved

TANK BUTTON

Tank pressure can be viewed at any time by pressing the button.

The tank pressure will be displayed until the button is pressed again.

139 PSI

TANK PRESSURE:

Press TANK to exit.

Menu Options

The main menu is used to change system parameters, such as increasing the

brightness of the screen, or the menu is used to access system information,

such as viewing your preset pressures and level sensor settings.

To enter the Main Menu simply press the button.

Once in the menu you can scroll up using the button, scroll down

using the button, or select a menu item by pressing the

button.

You may go back a screen by scrolling to the bottom of each page and

selecting the “BACK” button, or by pressing the button.

System Setup

Display Options

Main Menu

Wireless Remote

UP DOWNSELECT

Auto Leveling OFF

Dynamic Leveling

MAIN MENU

AUTO LEVEL

DISPLAY OPTIONS

ON OFF

BACK

TIME OUT FEATURE

OFF 30 SECONDS 60 SECONDS 120 SECONDS 300 SECONDS BACK

SCREEN INTENSITY

AUTO LOW INTENSITY MID INTENSITY MAX INTENSITY BACK

KEYPAD INTENSITY

SYSTEM SETUP

COMPRESSOR ON PSI

TURN ON PRESSURE BACK

DYNAMIC LEVELING

PRESET SETTINGS

RERUN SETUP

ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO RERUN SETUP?

VIEW PRESET 1

BACK

L. FRONT PSI/VOLTAGE R. FRONT PSI/VOLTAGE L. REAR PSI/VOLTAGE R. REAR PSI/VOLTAGE BACK

YES

SYSTEM ACCURACY

STANDARD MEDIUM HIGH BACK

BACK

BACKUP ECU

RESTORE ECU

SYSTEM INFO

DISPLAY SW VERSION ECU SW VERSION VOLTS BACK

WIRELESS REMOTE

EXIT MENU

TROUBLESHOOTING

BACK

LEARN KEYFOBS

DOUBLE PRESET

PRESS BUTTON 1 ON EACH KEYFOB YOU WANT TO USE

KEYFOBS FOUND=___ 0123BACK

ADVANCED OPTIONS

ON OFF

AUTO LOW INTENSITY MID INTENSITY MAX INTENSITY BACK

VIEW PRESET 2

L. FRONT PSI/VOLTAGE R. FRONT PSI/VOLTAGE L. REAR PSI/VOLTAGE R. REAR PSI/VOLTAGE BACK

VIEW PRESET 3

L. FRONT PSI/VOLTAGE R. FRONT PSI/VOLTAGE L. REAR PSI/VOLTAGE R. REAR PSI/VOLTAGE BACK

ON OFF

ALERT NOTIFICATION

ON OFF

PRESET LOCKOUT ON OFF

MENU STRUCTURE

COMPRESSOR ON PSI:

The compressors can be congured to turn on anytime the pressure drops

below 125 to 140psi. Setting the turn on pressure higher will make the

compressors run more often, but for a shorter length of time. Setting the turn

on pressure lower will make the compressors run less often, but they will run

for a longer amount of time.

SYSTEM ACCURACY:

The System Accuracy feature allows the user to choose how precise the system

is when attempting to reach a preset destination. This feature satises all

drivers (some like to wait for the system to reach preset before driving away

while others want to start the car, throw it in drive and take o)

STANDARD: The vehicle will reach the preset destination in as few operations

as possible. This is acceptable for most applications.

MEDIUM: The system will be slightly more precise than the Standard setting

which means it will take a few more steps to reach a more precise target.

HIGH: This is the most accurate the system can be. It will take longer to reach

the preset destination, but you can be assured that the vehicle is at the exact

preset height.

PRESET SETTINGS:

Should you ever need to know the values that are saved for the three preset

settings they can be accessed here.

If you are using an air only system you will only see pressure readings for each

air spring.

If you are using an air and level sensor system you will see both air pressure

readings as well as level sensor voltage readings.

RERUN SETUP:

Should you ever need to recalibrate the system you may do so by rerunning the

setup procedure.

When you choose to rerun the setup you will be asked:

“ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO RERUN SETUP?”

You may select YES by pressing the “1” button, or select NO by pressing the “3”

button.

BACKUP ECU:

Upon initial installation the E3 system had you go through a calibration

exercise. This calibration saved information about your vehicle such as how

quickly the vehicle inates and deates, how often the compressors run, etc.

Should you ever need to change ECU’s you can back up the calibration data

from the ECU to the display so you don’t have to go through calibration again.

RESTORE ECU:

Once you have saved the calibration data using the “Backup ECU” feature you

can use the Restore ECU feature to load a new ECU with calibration data from

the old ECU.

SYSTEM INFO:

This is where you nd the software revision of both the display and ECU as well

as a volt meter to aid in troubleshooting.

DISPLAY SWVER: This is the software version that is loaded into the display.

ECU SW VER: This is the software version that is loaded into the ECU.

VOLTS: This is a digital voltmeter that will show you the voltage of the vehicle.

AUTO LEVEL

The Auto Level on Start feature is used to raise the vehicle to the #2 Preset each

time the ignition is turned on.

ON:

When vehicle is started it will return to the #2 Preset.

OFF:

When vehicle is started it will not automatically adjust to any setting

Menu Options - Details

TIME OUT FEATURE:

The display screen and button backlights can remain illuminated at all times, or

if you wish they can turn o after some time.

OFF: The display will remain on as long as the ignition is on.

30 SECONDS: The display will remain illuminated for 30 seconds.

60 SECONDS: The display will remain illuminated for 1 minute.

120 SECONDS: The display will remain illuminated for 2 minutes.

300 SECONDS: The display will remain illuminated for 5 minutes.

SCREEN INTENSITY:

The intensity of the display screen backlighting can be automatically adjusted

depending on ambient light conditions, or it can be changed to 3 intensity

levels.

AUTO: The backlight intensity will change with ambient light conditions.

LOW INTENSITY: The backlighting will remain at the lowest intensity.

MID INTENSITY: The backlighting will remain at a medium intensity.

MAX INTENSITY: The backlighting will remain at the brightest setting.

KEYPAD INTENSITY:

The intensity of the button backlighting can be automatically adjusted

depending on ambient light conditions, or it can be changed to 3 intensity

levels.

AUTO: The backlight intensity will change with ambient light conditions.

LOW INTENSITY: The backlighting will remain at the lowest intensity.

MID INTENSITY: The backlighting will remain at a medium intensity.

MAX INTENSITY: The backlighting will remain at the brightest setting

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Display Options allows you to change items such as the brightness of the screen or buttons as well as how long the screen will remain illuminated. OPTIONS

SYSTEM SETUP

System Setup allows you to change items such as system accuracy and compressor turn on pressure. You can also view system information such as preset

settings and software revision.

DYNAMIC LEVELING:

Dynamic Leveling will automatically raise or lower the vehicle back to the #2

Preset if the load changes while the vehicle is parked. As soon as the vehicle is

in motion the system stops adjusting as it’s unsafe to alter air spring pressure

while driving.

ON:

The vehicle will return to the #2 Preset if the load changes.

OFF:

The vehicle will not adjust if the load changes.

WIRELESS REMOTE LEARN KEYFOBS

The E3 system has the capability of learning up to 4 remote keyfobs.

Learning new keyfobs is as simple as pressing the #1 button on each keyfob, one at a time, until all keyfobs are learned into the system. Each new keyfob will be

recognized by the E3 system and the corresponding number will be displayed on the screen.

DOUBLE PRESET:

If this feature is ON you will have to press the desired preset button on the keyfob twice in succession before the vehicle will travel to the desired preset. This

feature is intended to minimize accidental triggering of a preset.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

The E3 system keeps a log of each error message that has been triggered. You may enter the Troubleshooting area of the menu for assistance in resolving any

error. (errors are indicated by a on the main screen) Simply select the error you wish to resolve and the E3 system will walk you through the same steps our tech

support sta uses to help you resolve the issue.

ADVANCED OPTIONS

The Advanced Options menu is a place where we keep tools and utilities to assist our sta in setting up or troubleshooting any area of the E3. The Advanced

Options menu is accessible only with a pass code.

Menu Options - Details